Make a Difference 2018 ‘It’s all about people and relationships‘
- Written by: Tommy Whitelaw — UK Lead - Dementia Carer Voices
- Published: 5th January 2018
Tommy reflects on the last year and looks ahead to 2018 for the ALLIANCE's Dementia Carer Voices programme.
The last few years have been quite an incredible journey, ending 2017 at Wilshaw General Hospital talk 667, reaching more than 100,000 people in person, on our make a difference tour across the country. With 17,000 Nurses, Students, Hospitals, Care Homes, Universities, Colleges and Individuals making pledges and commitments to make a difference In so many ways and settings.
Reflecting over the break and looking ahead to 2018, the theme has been consistent, and I know will continue to be so, that its people who change lives, its people who make a difference over and above policies and strategies, its people who make the difference every day.
This has been reflected within the pledges received and people I feel so lucky to have met on the tour. Remarkable people, doing remarkable things every day.
We are so very proud to be sharing key messages at talks in Scotland from Professor Fiona McQueen CNO for Scotland and in England Leading Change adding Value Framework for Nursing Midwifery and Care Staff for Professor Jane Cummings CNO to help support pledges and turning good intentions into purposeful actions.
Someone asked me what did I learn caring for my mum living with dementia, I feel a lesson my mum had been trying to teach me all of my life and maybe should have listened much sooner, that people are amazing, remarkable, everyone has a story to tell and if we take the time to listen, we will find out how remarkable they are, taking time I feel to ask ‘ what matters to you and who matters to you.
We look forward to continuing our make a difference tour across the country, meeting more remarkable people, strengthening existing and building new relationships along the way.
If you would like is to bring our ‘Make a Difference’ talk to your place of work, please contact us at dementiacarersvoices@alliance-scotland.org.uk
End of page.
You may also like:
Self Management Network Scotland member Caroline Brocklehurst tells us what she needs to take the lead in managing her health.
Continue readingMar Sánchez Fernández reflects on the importance of collaboration between the third sector and academia.
Continue readingReflecting on key messages from the ACRC Symposium.
Continue readingCould parkrun make you or your community healthier and happier?
Continue readingGrace Beaumont looks to the Principles of Self Management as inspiration for this year’s Self Management Week awareness raising activity.
Continue readingNan McKay Community Hall is a welcoming space in Pollokshields where community, health, and wellbeing come together.
Continue readingLouise shares her thoughts on the need for a statutory right to lifelong, independent advocacy.
Continue readingALISS is supporting GCHSCP's work to help people live independent lives by connecting them to support in their local community.
Continue readingKairos Women+ share the vital foundations of their creative anti-stigma work with women.
Continue readingToo many carers simply cannot make ends meet, but a Minimum Income Guarantee could be the solution.
Continue readingNational Stalking Awareness Week 2025, from 21-25 April, will focus on healthcare professionals spotting the signs of stalking.
Continue readingCOPE Scotland have developed a suite of resources to rebuild confidence and self-belief, crucial components of mental wellbeing.
Continue readingCuts to disability payments by the UK government are all the more worrying for lack of information on devolution impacts in Scotland.
Continue readingTo improve outcomes for children and young people, we must consider how we can build on GIRFEC for the future.
Continue readingHow funding community-led participatory creative projects can shine a light on intersectional stigma
Maeve reflects on the Anti-Stigma Arts fund and how community-led projects can lead the way in tackling stigma.
Continue readingThe role of museums in promoting community engagement, health, and education was a major theme of the discussions throughout the day.
Continue readingAt the ALLIANCE we believe that accessibility is a gateway to human rights.
Continue readingLorraine Glass, Director at respectme, reflects on the vital work they do to reduce bullying and improve wellbeing.
Continue reading“Before, when I thought about what happened, something inside me was stuck. Now, after sharing my story I feel lighter, and more free”.
Continue readingSustainable funding can unlock the transformative power of creative engagement for tackling stigma.
Continue readingTo build a positive culture of human rights, everyone needs to know and be aware of their rights.
Continue readingEveryone deserves a safe and affordable home - Scotland must act now to make housing a human right for all.
Continue reading'What Matters to You?' is a question that transforms live through kindness and compassion. Read the story of Napier House in Fife.
Continue readingHuman rights are the path to a fairer, stronger Scotland; each step we take today helps to shape our future.
Continue readingThe Charter of Rights for People who live with and experience issues around substance use is about to be launched.
Continue reading